Delaney
Delaneywasstressbaking.What a surprise.
She carefully slid the tray of sugar cookies into the oven and closed the door. Turned the timer on. Leaned back against the counter.
What if Maelic got the escape pod communications operational? What if he left?
She frowned and shook her head.Of course he would leave.
Her stomach flipped.He would still leave.
She swallowed.
The impromptu sex had been amazing. More than amazing. She’d never known she was into Christmas light bondage, but hey, you learn something new every day. She’d been a little disappointed he hadn’t locked that freaky knot inside her, but with how she was already slightly sore, it was probably for the best.
Plus she wasn’t even on birth control.
He’d come inside, but she guessed that the whole knotting thing would have significantly increased the risks. The idea of a half-moth baby didn’t fill her with the dread it should have. Instead, her traitorous heart actually skipped a beat at the idea.
What the hell is wrong with me?
She didn’t even know him. Or his weird alien mate bond stuff.
How could she be his mate? What did it even really mean for him? For her?
The front door opened and she stiffened. She untied her apron and set it on the counter, meeting Maelic halfway to the living room. She cleared her throat, about to say something, when he started.
“I apologize.”
She blinked.
“I should not have told you like that. I should have explained myself right away when I noticed the bond—”
Delaney cut him off. “What is a mate bond exactly?”
Maelic scratched his neck. His antennae twitched.
“A mate bonding in my species is something we refer to as luminance.”
“How is it different from the whole heat and rut thing?”
“Artaisans have ruts and heats. That is something that begins early in adulthood. We usually pair up and ride it out during those times.” He paused. “But luminance is different. It is something more significant. I know you are mine because of my body. My pheromones are out of control, for one. But I can feel the bonding chemicals in my fangs. This is a sort of venom to anyone but you. It is something that only forms for males who have met their luminance.”
Delaney gave him a confused look. “I don’t follow.”
“When luminance begins, the body will begin to exude chemicals—in my saliva, seed, and fangs. It is meant to be used to complete a physical bond. If I were to bite you during sex and lock with you, then it would be complete. My pheromones wouldregulate without my damper mask, and you would smell like me. Anyone who crossed us would know we are mated.”
Delaney blanched.
He could have just done it when they had sex. She wouldn’t have known what was happening.
She swallowed. “Why don’t you find someone else? I can’t be your mate.”
Maelic shook his head.
“Our bond is permanent. Even if I never mark you, I would never find another. Because there is no other for me.”
Delaney was reeling. She had no idea what to say.
